Meet Kaleb: Three Years of Friendship, Advocacy, and Community Impact
From the Friendship Walk to the finish line, inclusion wins.
This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight Kaleb — a dedicated volunteer, passionate advocate, and proud Best Buddies participant whose three-year journey with our organization is nothing short of inspiring.
Kaleb’s story began in 2023 at his very first Friendship Walk. Moved by the energy, warmth, and spirit of inclusion he experienced, he knew he wanted to do more. Months later, in August 2023, Kaleb joined the Citizens program and was matched in a one-to-one friendship with his buddy, Duncan, and the two haven’t looked back since.
Over the past few years, Kaleb and Duncan have become inseparable. From cheering at local sporting events and celebrating birthdays to taking on mini-golf rivalries and attending Citizens group events together, they’ve built a friendship full of positivity and genuine connection.
“He’s the friendliest person I’ve ever met, and he brings a lot of joy to my life,” Kaleb shared.
In April, Kaleb and Duncan took the stage together at the Best Buddies Benefit Concert to share their story with a room full of supporters.
“It’s a very fulfilling thing to do in your life,” Kaleb reflected. “You’re helping another person, while also helping yourself. I’ve learned a lot about the disability community and how to be a better friend, but there’s always more to learn.”
Kaleb’s impact extends beyond his friendship with Duncan, through his dedication to advancing the mission of a more inclusive world. A truly motivated volunteer, Kaleb shows up year after year for signature events like the Friendship Walk and the Champion of the Year Gala. At this year’s Friendship Walk, he took his involvement a step further by rallying his employer, Premier Aquarium Service, and brought six coworkers to Viking Lakes to stand alongside him in support of inclusion.
Now, Kaleb is part of Team Best Buddies – a group of 15 people racing for inclusion at the 2026 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend. Kaleb is one of four team members running the half marathon on Sunday, October 4th, bringing awareness and raising funds for local Best Buddies programs.
We are so grateful to have reliable volunteers like Kaleb, who believe in inclusion!
